ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
INS Rajput to be Decommissioned on 21 May 21
On the 21st of May, a glorious era will come to an end with the decommissioning of the first destroyer of the Indian Navy - INS Rajput. INS Rajput, the lead ship of the Kashin-class destroyers built by the erstwhile USSR was commissioned on 04 May 1980 and has rendered yeoman service to the Indian Navy for over 41 years. INS Rajput will now be decommissioned at a solemn ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. Owing to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the ceremony will be a low-key event attended only by in-station officers and sailors with strict observance of COVID protocols.
INS Rajput was constructed in the 61 Communards Shipyard in Nikolaev  under her original Russian name ‘Nadezhny’ meaning ‘Hope’. The keel of the ship was laid on 11 Sep 1976 and she was launched on 17 Sep 1977. The ship was commissioned as INS Rajput on 04 May 1980 at Poti, Georgia by His Excellency Shri IK Gujral, the Ambassador of India to USSR with Capt Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani as her first Commanding Officer. Over her four decades of glorious service to the nation, the ship has the distinction of serving in both Western and Eastern Fleets.
With the motto “Raj Karega Rajput” firmly etched in their minds and indomitable spirit, the gallant crew of INS Rajput have remained ever vigilant and always ‘on call’ to protect the maritime interest and sovereignty of the nation. The ship has participated in several operations aimed at keeping the nation secure. Some of these include Operation Aman off Sri Lanka to assist IPKF, Operation Pawan for patrolling duties off the coast of Sri Lanka, Operation Cactus to resolve hostage situation off the Maldives, and Operation Crowsnest off Lakshadweep. In addition, the ship participated in numerous bilateral and multi-national exercises. The ship was also the first Indian Naval Ship to be affiliated with an Indian Army regiment – the Rajput Regiment.
In her glorious 41 years, the ship had 31 Commanding Officers at her helm with the last CO taking charge of the ship on 14 Aug 2019. As the sun sets on 21 May 21, the Naval Ensign and the Commissioning Pennant will be hauled down for the last time onboard INS Rajput, symbolising the decommissioning.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Cooperation  signed between India and Japan in the field of Water Resources
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of the Memorandum of Cooperation  signed between Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India and Water and Disaster Management Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan in the field of Water Resources.
Benefits:
This MoC was signed for development of a long-term cooperation in the field of Water and Delta management, and Water technology in order to increase the exchange of information, knowledge, technology and scientific allied experience, as well as implementation of joint projects between the two countries.
This MoC will help in achieving water security, improved irrigation facility and sustainability in water resources development.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
216.41 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
23,92,530 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 46,848
Active cases stand at 0.11%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.71%
5,618 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,39,53,374
5,747 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
89.12 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 3,40,211 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
MSP operation during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
Paddy procurement going on smoothly with purchase of over 90.03 LMTs of paddy upto 18.10.2020 from 7.82 lac farmers
Till 18.10.2020, a quantity of 165369 cotton bales valuing Rs.46697.86 lakh has been procured as against 1245 bales procured during corresponding period of last year
Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at its MSP from farmers as per its existing MSP Schemes as was done in previous seasons. Paddy procurement for KMS 2020-21 is going on smoothly in the procuring States & UTs of Punjab, Haryana, UP, Tamilnadu, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, J&K and Kerala with purchase of over 90.03 LMTs of paddy upto 18.10.2020 from 7.82 lac farmers.
Further, upto 18.10.2020, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 761.55 MT of Moong and Urad having MSP value of Rs. 5.48 Crores benefitting 735 farmers in Tamil Nadu Maharashtra and Haryana. Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs. 52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals in respect of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds.
Based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 42.46 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme  . Further, sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the State of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Cotton procurement operations under MSP are going on smoothly in Northern States viz. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan. Till 18.10.2020, a quantity of 165369 cotton bales valuing Rs.46697.86 lakh has been procured as against 1245 bales procured during corresponding period of last year.
Ministry of Defence
VAYU SENA MEDAL  WING COMMANDER CHINMAYA PATRO  FLYING 
EMBARGO : NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/
OR USED ON SOCIAL MEDIA BEFORE 26 JAN 22, 0001 HRS
Wing Commander Chinmaya Patro  is on posted strength of a Mi-17-V5 Helicopter Unit.
On 03 Apr 21, as part of Operation Triveni, Wg Cdr Patro was detailed to lead a three aircraft Casualty Evacuation  mission post a deadly ambush by Naxals. This high-risk mission involved landing in an unfamiliar hostile area. He was instrumental in the initial planning and led a two aircraft formation to the nearest nodal helipad. Soon after landing at the helipad after aerial recce, he reassessed the situation from the on-ground forces and provided valuable inputs for an “On-site Cas Evac”. He planned the launch of the third helicopter to provide aerial support at the hostile site.
During the mission, however, the casualties were observed at a site that was located at a distance away from that communicated previously. Wg Cdr Patro took a calculated decision to continue with the casualty extraction based on the visual signal, presence of number of friendly troops and a thorough scan of the adjacent area. Thereafter, he deftly manoeuvered to avoid the threat zones and landed on a small unprepared area adjacent to the encounter site. He airlifted seven casualties to Raipur and thereafter guided the second helicopter towards the landing site.
Displaying exceptional commitment and astute presence of mind, his prompt actions led to his team evacuating 18 casualties and 22 Mortal Remains from the ambush site. He also orchestrated the reinforcement of about 120 troops in the vicinity of the ambush site. By willingly accepting and executing a very high-risk mission resulting in saving of precious lives, Wg Cdr Patro displayed exceptional courage which acted as a morale booster to the forces on ground.
For his act of exceptional courage and disregard to personal safety in an extremely hostile area in Operation Triveni, Wg Cdr Chinmaya Patro is conferred with the award of Vayu Sena Medal .
Ministry of Science & Technology
Day-IV of National workshop on “Hands on Training on Scholarly Publications
The Research Journals Division of CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research , New Delhi, is conducting one week National workshop on “Hands on Training on Scholarly Publications” during 12th-18th May 2022 sponsored by the Science & Engineering Research Board , Department of Science and Technology , Govt of India, under Accelerate Vigyan Karyashala scheme.
In the fourth day of the Karyashala workshop, Dr Subhasree Nag, Clarivate Analytics, started the session with two consecutive lectures: session  “Plagiarism and how to avoid it” and  session “How to increase the impact of research paper using basic tools of Clarivate analytics” followed by hands on training on enhancing the visibility of publications by Mr Vishav Sharma, Clarivate. The final session of the day was delivered by Dr. Latha, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, on the topic “Predatory academic practices: Perspectives and Learning”.
The programme was organized to generate awareness on scholarly communication in science for career growth and to provide young potential researchers an opportunity to develop scientific research skills. The intention behind organizing such a workshop is to provide a platform for researchers and scientific personalities to share knowledge, update and upgrade themselves. The event was coordinated and executed by Dr. N K Prasanna Senior Scientist and Scientific editor, IJBB, which received an overwhelming response from all over.
After the presentation, an interactive session was held with the participants of the workshop. The session was moderated by senior scientists Mrs Pramila Majumdhar and Dr NK Prasanna. The lecture concluded by vote of thanks to all participants and resource persons.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Inter-faith delegation meets MoS, Shri G.Kishan Reddy with the message of peace in times of misguided information being spread across the nation. Expresses solidarity and urges people to guard themselves against forces spreading disharmony and chaos in the society.
An interfaith delegation met the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy to express solidarity with the government in the times of violent protests and public unrest under the pretext of opposing Citizenship Amendment Act here today.
The delegation members expressed solidarity with the government and faith in the policies of the government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The delegation unanimously affirmed that the CAA concerns foreigners and no Indian, from whichever religion, caste, color or creed, has anything to fear. Highlighting the principles of Dharma and Ahimsa, the delegation affirmed their belief that the legislation has been passed on humanitarian grounds for those who fled from the three countries fearing persecution and had migrated to India for solace and safety. The delegation said that India being a land of mutual acceptance and harmony; it is unacceptable that one protests against a decision that aims to alleviate the suffering of those uprooted families. The legislation is based on a perfect rationale and objective premise, the members reiterated.
The delegation further expressed that resilience of Indian democracy lies in the strength of our collectivism, the belief in our principles of non-violence and acceptance and adherence to the principles of the constitution. They reiterated the fact that we all identify ourselves as Indians before anything else and it keeps us together. It is this faith and belief that will keep us together and strong in the face of storm, let loose by forces that do not want to see us united and growing. They urged the people to guard themselves against misinformation meant to destabilize our foundations of mutual respect and acceptance.
As a symbolic gesture of religious harmony and peace, the delegation wished to reach out to the people with this message of Ahimsa and religious harmony. They also expressed their desire to meet the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister with this message of peace and solidarity.
The delegation comprised of prominent spiritual gurus and social reformers from different faiths and sects, including Jain Acharya Dr. Lokeshji, Meditation guru Swami Deepankar ji, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi ji, Sardar Sant Singh ji, Veer Chakra Awardee Col, T.P. Tyagi Ji, Vineet Kumar Ji and Gautam Ji.
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister exhorts BPR&D to train policemen in soft skills
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh at a meeting here today exhorted the Bureau of Police Research and Development  to work towards imparting training in soft skills to all the policemen in the country. He also urged for identification at district level of exceptional police officials who could be the role models for others. Shri Rajnath Singh also stressed on imparting training skills to prevent cyber crimes and meet the challenges of changing crime scenario.
Home Minister was given a presentation by Dr. A.P. Maheshwari, Director General, BPR&D on the ongoing activities and future projects of the organisation. Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the progress of establishing Central Detective Training Institutes  at Jaipur and Chandigarh. A decision has been taken to set up the Centre for Correctional Administration at the recently inaugurated Central Academy for Police Training  at Bhopal. Separate Centres for training in Prosecution and Traffic Technologies will also be set up at CAPT, Bhopal. Home Minister appreciated that BPR&D has set up a web-portal named e-USTAAD where all the training manuals, presentations and course material has been made available for users. A mobile app is also being developed on these lines.
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba and senior officials of MHA and BPR&D were present at the meeting.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
Mandatory Verification of Social Media Accounts
Government’s objectives are aimed at ensuring Open, Safe & Trusted and Accountable internet for its users.The Government is aware of the risk and danger posed by growing phenomena of misinformation, bots, criminality and users harms in general.
To ensuring Open, Safe & Trusted and Accountable internet for its users, the Government has notified the Information Technology  Rules, 2021 . As per the rule 4 of the said Rules, the significant social media intermediaries shall enable users to voluntarily verify their accounts and such users’ accounts shall be provided with visible marks of verification.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Health Ministry launches ‘Mental Health Awareness Campaign Week’
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya highlights importance of Mental Health as being intrinsic to Physical Health and Wellness
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has brought the focus on mental health as being intrinsic to physical health and wellness, here today. The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is observing Mental Health Awareness Campaign Week beginning from today and culminating on the World Mental health Day. 10th October is observed globally as the World Mental Health Day to raise awareness on mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support mental health.
This year’s World Mental Health Day comes at a time when the daily lives have been transformed to a significant extent because of COVID-19. This in turn has given rise to various mental health concerns among people. Under guidance of the Union Health Minister, the Mental Health Awareness Campaign Week is being observed with an aim to encourage people’s participation to break the stigma surrounding Mental Disorders.
As part of the activities envisaged for the Mental Health Awareness Campaign Week, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemical & Fertilizers released the UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children Report today. The report takes a comprehensive look at the mental health of children, adolescents and caregivers in the 21st century. As highlighted in the report, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on children’s mental health.
The other activities under the aegis of the Mental Health Awareness Campaign Week include virtual awareness workshops by NIMHANS, Bengaluru in collaboration with Educational Institutions and other suitable organization, cycle rallies in different parts of Delhi, green ribbon campaign, short film release in regional languages, launch of #breakthestigma hashtag campaign and quiz/ slogan competitions on mental health.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Indonesia om combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors.
The MoU will help in mutual cooperation in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking. It will come into force on the date of signing and will remain in effect for a period of five years.
India has signed similar Conventions/MoUs/Agreements with the 37 countries.
Salient features of the MoU are as under:
- The MoU shall facilitate and enhance the cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions.
- The cooperation under this MoU includes the exchange of information on existing legal instruments of national legislation of both countries in combating the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs psychotropic substances and its precursors, allowing and assisting each other in the use of controlled delivery operation with a view to identifying persons involved in illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors and essential chemicals, prevention of money laundering.
- Under the MoU, there is a provision of maintaining the secrecy of information and documents obtained in accordance with this MoU.
Ministry of Defence
Provision for Online Mutation in Property Tax Registers in Cantonments
As a step towards facilitating ease of living, over 2.18 lakh property tax payers living in cantonment areas would be able to apply online for Mutation in property tax register under eChhawani Portal . The property owners are required to apply online on eChhawani Portal for mutation in property tax register along with required documents and payment of applicable fees. In case, any deficiency is noticed in the application/documents, it will be sent back to the citizen online, for rectification. Else, a Certificate will be issued to the property owner online conveying the mutation in the property tax register.
The facility for Online Mutation in Property Tax registers will reduce interface between the property owner and the Cantonment Board officials and thus promote greater transparency. The process will also avoid hardship, delays and reduce compliance thus promoting “Ease of living” in Cantonments.
The details of over 2.18 lakh property tax payers covering more than 20 lakh residents across 62 Cantonments are uploaded in the eChhawani portal. Cantonments Board keeps track of ownership changes in the property tax registers arising due to transfer of property by way of sale, gift, family settlements, will, inheritance etc. As and when a transfer in ownership of property occurs the transferee is required to give notice of such transfer to the Chief Executive Officer who is required to record such transfer/ devolution in the assessment list as well as tax register of the Board under Section 81 of the Cantonments Act, 2006.
eChhawani is a citizen centric project of Directorate General of Defence Estates, Ministry of Defence. Under this initiative, Cantonment Boards provide online citizen services to more than 20 lakh residents across 62 Cantonments in the country. The unified portal provides access to civic services along with all relevant information in a simple, easy to understand and effective manner.
AYUSH
Promotion of Herbal Cultivation in the country
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission . Under ‘Medicinal Plants’ component of the NAM scheme supporting market driven cultivation of prioritized medicinal plants in identified cluster/zones with in selected districts of States and implemented in a mission mode. As per the scheme guidelines, the support is provided for:
- Cultivation of prioritized medicinal plants on farmer’s land.
- Establishment of nurseries with backward linkages for raising and supply of quality planting material.
- Post-harvest management with forward linkages.
- Primary processing, marketing infrastructure etc.
Under this scheme, subsidy @30%, 50% and 75% of cultivation cost of specific plant species is provided for cultivation of 140 medicinal plants.
National Medicinal plants Board, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India is also implementing Central Sector Scheme on “Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” wherein following activities are supported:
- In-situ conservation / Ex-situ conservation
- Livelihood linkages with Joint Forest Management Committees  / Panchayats / Van Panchayats / Biodiversity Management Committees  / Self Help Groups .
- IEC activities like Training / workshops / Seminars/ Conferences etc.
- Research & Development.
- Promotion, marketing and trade of medicinal plants produce.
Ministry of AYUSH is supporting cultivation of medicinal plants on farmer’s land throughout the country by providing subsidy for 140 medicinal plants @30%, 50% and 75% of cost of its cultivation, depending upon the status of availability and market demand as per operational guidelines of the Scheme. The Ministry of AYUSH has supported 56396 hectare area under cultivation of Medicinal Plants in National AYUSH Mission  scheme. The detail of area covered under cultivation of medicinal plant throughout the country from the F.Y 2015-16 to 2020-21 is given at Annexure.
Ministry of Finance has announced Rs. 4000 crore package under Atma Nirbhar Bharat for Promotion of Herbal Cultivation. The Ministry of AYUSH has prepared a draft scheme namely “Pradhan Mantri VRIKSH AYUSH Yojana” for cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants which is yet to be approved from Cabinet.
The scheme will be implemented throughout the country.
The Minister of State , Sh. Kiren Rijiju  stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.